Indian Characters in Video Games Worth Playing

I’ve been playing video games since I can remember, from the early days of the original Nintendo to current generation consoles, such as the Xbox Series S—an absolute value for money, especially with Game Pass Ultimate. While the hours put in have dropped significantly (hello, adult responsibilities), the passion remains alive and well in small pockets of time throughout the week. However, one of the more captivating and endearing aspects of playing video games is the engaging storytelling, allowing game designers and developers the creative freedom to play out their artistic fantasies in tangible form. These are stories and characters we have an easier time relating to because representation is a realistic outcome in this dream world, compared to the restrictions in the film industry and what we grew up watching.

The following short list of games is a perfect example of well-thought-out Indian characters that go beyond the iconic Dhalsim of the Street Fighter series, take the lead, and make it fun while doing it.

Raji in Raji: An Ancient Epic (August 2020)

Possibly my favourite of the lot, Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure, single-player indie game created with artistic integrity, where design and function intertwine seamlessly. The fluidity of the game mechanics complements the storyline and the stunning artwork, which incorporates Hindu mythology, taking inspiration from both the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Developed by Nodding Heads Games in Pune, India, the story revolves around an orphaned circus performer named Raji, whose younger brother gets abducted by demons on Raksha Bandhan. Alas, this forces Raji to battle her way through to rescue her younger sibling.

Masala Recommends: 5 out of 5.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox, Android, iOS

Chloe Frazer in Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017)

As an Indian-Australian, Chloe Frazer’s father was an archaeologist from India, and her mother was Australian. Her heritage actually plays a central part in Chloe’s identity, as she dives deeper to explore her Indian roots. The skilled treasure hunter, thief, and adventurer, with her witty, resourceful, and morally grey self, becomes the main protagonist in the game, which is set almost entirely in India. The story revolves around the search for the Tusk of Ganesh, which was once an obsession of her father’s. 

Masala Recommends: 4 out of 5. With a Metacritic score of 84, the overall franchise gives birth to this strong standalone adventure with an Indian character as its lead.

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Microsoft Windows

Lakshmi Bai in The Order: 1886 (2015)

Okay, perhaps The Order: 1886 wasn’t the runaway success some may have expected it to be, but it possessed a nuanced and authentic approach to designing Indian characters. Based on the real historical figure, the game features Rani Lakshmi Bai, who plays as a supporting character and founder of The Rebellion, as well as the mother of Devy Nayar, the heir to the rebellion leadership.

Masala Recommends: 3 out of 5. While the game received mixed reviews, it was praised for its production value, graphics, and technical achievements, not to mention the Hindi dialogue. 

Platform: PS4

Jayadeep Mir in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015)

Taking on the alias Henry Green to conceal his Indian heritage in Victorian England, Jayadeep Mir plays a supporting role rather than a playable one. Nevertheless, the creators of the franchise provided a character with depth in a subtle yet significant manner. Born in India and son of Arbaaz Mir, Jayadeep follows a long line of the multigenerational assassin bloodline, and his approach to missions is measured, thoughtful, and diplomatic. That’s probably why I was drawn to the character, added to the fact that he has a genuine fascination with history and artifacts, guiding the Frye twins (the main characters of the game) through the political arena of London. 

Masala Recommends: 3 out of 5. It’s a shame he’s not a playable character, but he’s a crucial part of the storyline, and this game ties the AC lore to Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India (2016). 

Platforms: PS4, Xbox, Microsoft Windows